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Sunday, 30 November 2014

I'm back with another Skincandy x 3CE review as promised! Wow I'm at the 5th episode already! If you've read my blog previously, you'll know that I got these from the Carousell Pop-up Market, at close to cost price! Interested? Read till the end to see how you can get your desired 3CE products at low prices too!

This time, I'll be reviewing the 3 Concept Eyes Natural Finish Loose Powder and Oil Remover Towel. You can also read about my previous reviews on 3CE products here, here, here and here!

3CE Natural Finish Loose Powder in #002

First up, the loose powder. I've mentioned on my Instagram that I couldn't find a good loose powder to own. Furthermore, most loose powders in the market are expensive i.e. RM80 and above, which is a lot of money to a student. When I found out that these were going for below RM70 and from a good brand as well, of course I couldn't contain myself! But is it a hit or miss?

As usual, 3CE kept it classy and simple with their black, sleek packaging. The instructions at the back are in Korean but after using so many of their products, I find that they are very convenient to use and a quick Google search can reveal photo step-by-step instructions on how to use, as demonstrated by their gorgeous models, so I've never had problems with this!

I love that the box is pink inside for a fun, flirtatious feel. The loose powder tub is nicely nestled inside, with the same typography as the box. As usual, watch out for the seal of authentication to make sure that your product has not been tempered with.

Audrey only had shade #002 left, which I was afraid will be too dark for my skintone but it turns out, there was no problem at all. #002 is made to suit the natural colour of your skin while #001 is for brightening your complexion.

The sponge is a typical makeup pat-on applicator.

After removing the protection sticker, you're finally done with unboxing the loose powder and its ready to use! It is advised that you do not remove the sticker after opening, but rather, seal it back in place. This is because the powder contains high water contentand placing the puff directly on the powder will cause the moisture content to be soaked up. This will also help to avoid dust from getting into the powder.

Check out how fine and soft the powder is! The powder has an unfamiliar scent that is not overpowering because there is no artificial scent added to cover up the smell of the base powder. The powder suits all skin types so there is nothing to worry about. The product has a silky texture when applied and fits the skin closely to create a clean and clear look. It also helps to control sebum and lets you enjoy the fresh feeling while maintaining a long-lasting and soft look. Because of the high water content and micro-particles, the product also helps to hydrate the skin.

To use, simply dab or pour some of the product on the applicator.

Pat it on your face! From your forehead to oily T-zones, sides of your nose, undereyes... The whole face! This is to achieve an even application. A little goes a long way so go easy on the powder.

The before and after photos has obvious results. For one, my skin which was initially oily has been matified! The most obvious part will be my nose area.

I personally prefer dewy-skin Korean makeup but the powder coverage is so light, you can acheive that effect too. The loose powder looks cakey at first but will slowly fit your natural skin colour. It's also very lightweight and doesn't feel like your pores are clogged up. It really controls oil secretion and helps my makeup last longer. It really doesn't budge! Also, the applicator is sooo soft and pillowy, like a marshmallow :D It is also hygienic because you have to reseal the protection sticker after each use. The only downside is that it can be quite hard to get the powder out just by dabbing so I tend to tip the tub over and over again to get the product out and it can be quite annoying especially when you're pressed for time.

3CE Oil Remover Towel

After applying makeup, it is vital that you remove it. If you're feeling lazy, try a makeup remover cloth for size. I got these 3CE Oil Remover Towel at an affordable price too. In fact, I think they're cheaper than the drugstore kind.

The packaging is just your regular makeup remover towel pack, but it has managed to maintain the simplicity of the 3CE signature black & white design. After opening the top seal, there will be two marks on the sides which cannot be resealed to protect the originality and freshness of your product.

The size of the remover towel is slightly bigger than a tissue paper when unfolded, about the same size as the packet. It looks glossy and doesn't feel too oily to the touch. It feels soft yet is sturdy enough and does not tear easily. There is also a pleasant smell to it. There are 30 sheets in a packet, just enough for a month! Please do not attempt to put back the towel after you've used it, it's so unhygienic if you were to reuse it..

The 3CE Oil Remover Towel has ultra rich hydrating oils such as such as rosehip oil which is rich in vitamin C and avocado oil which is nutritious and moisturising to the skin. It also gives it that natural glow on your skin after you remove your makeup. These high-grade, deep cleansing ingredients helps to wipe out residue thoroughly and make the skin healthy.

Pull out the towel gently and wipe off your makeup. Be gentle and cautious around the eye area!

HAHA sorry not sorry about the face. One cloth is all it needs to clean off my makeup! Yes, even my lipstick and waterproof mascara!

Not only does the makeup remover towel feel gentle to the skin, it is super effective in removing makeup! My eyeliner and waterproof mascara is easily wiped off because of the oils. One thing I kind of dislike is that it leaves an oily feeling on the skin after use. I have dry skin so usually my skin feels dry after removing my makeup. I wouldn't describe it as an annoying stickiness, but rather it feels as if my skin is being nourished.

If you're interested in getting either of the products that I reviewed, you HAVE to drop by Skincandyco! Audrey is trying to clear off her inventory so it's your chance now to purchase at lower-than-market prices!

Don't forget to quote CARINNXSC5 to get another RM5 off your purchases. *valid till 31st December 2014, discounts not applicable during sales period*

Find them on Facebook to check the prices of your fave products. Follow them on Instagram. Tag your purchases with and @skincandyco and hashtag #skincandyco to be entitled to another RM5 off your next purchase! Skincandy will host a new giveaway for every 1K fans. Don't forget, their promo ends THIS weekend, so hurry up and like, share, invite your friends and let them know about the amazing offers NOW!

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored review. The review is based on my honest personal thoughts, experiences and preference after getting the products and trying out the service. How I use it may not be the best way for you and effects may vary depending on individual lips/ skin condition and other factors.

Friday, 28 November 2014

I'm so excited! My first ever OOTD post with my short hair! People usually associate short-haired girls as more "boyish". Well, I hope this inspires girls with short hair to dress up in different styles too because personally, I don't have the looks to pull off stronger styles, thus the more feminine twist to my looks :p

Yet another B&W outfit this week, wearing almost the same pieces but with a different twist to it. This time, the look is not so feminine but looks more stylish and chic. This "photoshoot" was totally impromptu and was taken just for fun but I thought they fared well enough to be featured as an OOTD post! The main focus of the look would be my RM5 skirt which I got the day before from a bazaar! Lol. As I mentioned, I'll be in a lot of long skirts and pants lately to cover up the scars on my leg. Thank goodness the skirt can be worn both sides so that the slit shows at my good leg. Haha.

Vertical stripes can be hard to pull off, but they are magic to work with because they not only make you look taller, but slimmer as well. The safest way to go with monochrome stripes is well, with monochrome colours of course! I chose a simple white top, paired with a bag and shoes in safe colours that does not overshadow,but instead complement the striped skirt. Because I cannot live without my accessories, I chose a horizontal gold necklace to balance out the stripes on the skirt.

If you liked this look and my impromptu photoshoot, please hype me on Lookbook :)

If you'd like to see more, you can view my previous Carinn x OOTD post here :)

Just wanted to share some other photos that we took on that day. How do you like our hipster shots? These were also the last photos taken with my friends before I shifted back to my hometown.. I'll miss these girls but they will always be the people I can Whatsapp nonsense to whenever I feel bored. Muacks!

Thursday, 27 November 2014

My blog is absolutely blowing up with Shopping posts lately huh? XD Ok, last one for the month, I promise!

Tomorrow (28 November 2014) is known as 'Black Friday' and good news for all shopaholics out there is that most online shops are having big SALES in conjunction with Black Friday! Of course, RebateMeNow is joining in the hype too!

These are just SOME of the brands that are participating in RebateMeNow's Black Friday sales. From Zalora to Reebonz to GameOn, there's something for everyone! For a complete list of participating merchants, click on this link!

Now, in case you're confused about what RebateMeNow is, just like I was when I first discovered it, it is actually an online platform that actually pays you to shop online! You'll earn up to 10% cashback at your favourite and biggest online stores such as Zalora, Lazada, POPLOOK, Nile and MORE! Talk about savings! RebateMeNow works with these online stores to help you get more discounts and promotions! I think the illustration abbove has basically explained it all :)

It's a very simple concept, really. All you have to do is register for a free account, browse the list of participating merchants and find your desired online store and shop as usual. Once you've completed the transaction, refresh you RMN and see instant cash rebate on your purchase! How awesome is that! There is a minimum withdrawal limit of RM50 but hey, if you're a constant shopper online, I bet you'll hit RM50 cash rebate in no time :p

The list of participating merchants vary from fashion to muslimah to tech... and SO much more! Take your time to browse the site and merchants, there's bound to be something that catches your eye. Until then, take advantage of the Black Friday sale happening RIGHT now for more discounts, more promotions and more cashback!

Don't fret if you've missed the sales on Friday because some of these merchants will extend the sale till 30th November! Check the list below!

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

I love shopping. And now that Christmas is around the corner, it just means that there is more reason to shop for gifts for myself and my loved ones! There are sooo many sales around, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to get.

So, I have compiled some items that I love from Shopbop which I think will be perfect as gifts for Christmas! This post is also pretty special to me because I got my boyfriend to help me with the For Him gifts, to find out what gifts a guy would like from a guy's perspectivefrom Eastdane. Be sure to read until the end because there is a BIG EVENT that I'd like to let you know!

The most practical thing for winter is a warm sweater. I chose this panda sweater because, hello? Adorbs much? I imagine that it's the perfect outfit to snuggle in by the fire this Christmas. I also chose this bag shaped like a present from alice + olivia too, which I'm sure no girl will be able to resist! You can also never go wrong with jewellery. Pearl is elegant and perfect for the holiday seasons. Store it in the three-tier jewelery box when you're not wearing it and this acts as a decoration for your room too! Lastly, books are the perfect gift for the girls who are into more practical things. Book with Style also carries many other style and fashion books, surprise your loved ones with a book that they'll love!

I just realised that my gift selections are more black & white while my bf's choices are so RED, it just screams festive cheer. Again, sweaters are great and practical gifts for both guys and girls. A woolen sweater or pullover is not only stylish but super comfy as well. We've both also had our eye on Fjallraven backpacks and this red Kanken backpack is good for school or outdoor use! If you're looking for something for the working men, why not get a belt? They will have to use a belt daily anyway! Or perhaps a watch? Seeing as watches are basically the only kind of accessory most men wear, I suggest a leather one to suit both formal and casual events. Lastly, for the music lovers out there, get them a pair of good headphones to blast the music from!

Let me know if you liked our picks and which is your favourite item so far? If you have anymore suggestions on what to get someone for Christmas, feel free to leave a comment below!

Thank you for reading till the end! And now, to reward you for being patient..... The reveal of THE BIG EVENT!!

A SALE! This will be Shopbop's BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR because It will last for an ENTIRE WEEK from 25th November to 1st December 2014, 11.59pm, Pacific Time. I couldn't have posted this at a much better time because the sale starts.. NOW! This sale applies for East Dane as well, guys! There is NO brand exclusion and the more you purchase, the more you save! Get your friends, combine your resources and take advantage of this sale now!

Sunday, 23 November 2014

Macau (known as "Ao Men" in Chinese) is a famous tourist city, frequented by many Chinese. To me, it is really a place worth visiting because the cultures are very similar to our own and in terms of currency, it is an affordable place with a not-to-be-missed view too! With casinos, awesome food, beautiful heritage sites and exciting activities, what's there to be missed? Macau is also easily accessible by AirAsia (book early for cheaper flights!) and is a really good alternative if you're going overseas for the first time.

I was fortunate enough to travel there with my entire extended family back in 2008. We rented a bus and toured Hong Kong & Macau for a week. It was the first time we travelled overseas together as a family. Thanks to Nuffnang, this is a good chance for me to reminisce and write this post that is literally, a Blast from the Past. And because I prefer to use my own photos instead of those off the Net, get ready for loads of embarrasing photos from those days... .XD

Here are some things that you MUST see and do in Macau! It's also consists of the places that I'd like to visit again, seeing as I was too young back then to remember most of the things we did... :x

1) Macau Tower

Macau Tower is 338 metres high and has an observatory deck. You've never truly visited Macau until you come here! Visitors will be able to enjoy a panaromic view of beautiful Macau from the observatory deck. What's more, the place has restaurants, theatres, shopping lots and even a place for you to bungee jump! I remember dining at the top and getting the shock of my life when someone dived down from above. One of my most intriguing dining experiences, indeed!

I'd love to go back there again. This time, I'm finally legal and brave enough to take on the challenge.. I'd love to try out bungee jumping for myself! It'll be one of the the things to check off my bucket list. If all else fails, I'm pretty sure I'll still be brave enough to try out the SkyWalk and walk around the rim of the tower :p

2) St Paul's Ruins

With the whole family. We were so much younger back then, oh gosh!

Chubby me. I guess this answers the question of when was the last time I had short hair..

Another MUST-SEE landmarks in Macau will be the Ruins of St Paul. Not only is Macau famous for the city lights, many of their tourist sites are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and St Paul's Ruins is one of it. I remember the tour guide telling us the story of how the church came about and how an unfortunate fired caused only the doorway to be left standing now. Many archives, religious relics and engravings are found beyond these steps and walls, including some remains of St Paul. The ruins is also somewhat connected to St Paul's Church in Malacca, which makes the story much more relatable for me, back in the day when I still took History lessons in high school hehe.

You know what would be really cool? If we could recreate the family photo that we took right at this spot outside St Paul's Ruins. This is also one of the reasons why going back to Macau would be awesome - it would bring the family closer and help me to find back those fond memories :)

3) St. Augustine's Church

Also another UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Augustine Church is one of the churches that draws thousands of devotees, especially from Macau's Filipino community. The simple, Baroque style interior just goes to show how well the church has been preserved over the years. Take a tour of the church and really soak it in, then give your sincere prayers in front of this altar.

4) The Venetian, Macau

The Venetian Macao is luxury hotel, inspired and owned by the Las Vegas Sands. It is one of the biggest buildings in Macau and the seventh-largest buildings in the world! It also houses the biggest casino in the world and has so many dining and shopping places for you to choose from that you will literally need a map to get around when you're inside. One of the interiors that attracted me the most was the sky murall on the ceiling! It looks just like the real sky! There are also old paintings recreated on the ceiling that any art enthusiast would love. I loved being there!

I had the privilege of staying at the Venetian hotel for a night and it was definitely one of the most lavish hotels I've stayed in. One can't help but be swept away by awe and romance as you soak up the sights and sounds of Venice, all within a building. There are even real gondolas in the man-made river IN the mall! I would so love to go back there again and this time with my boyfriend because, what better place to go for a romantic getaway than the city of love, right?

Hope to be one of the winners of this golden opportunity! My dream once I graduate is to travel somewhere with my family or boyfriend or alone. Time is running out as I will have to look for a job soon and once I start work, it will not be easy to just take off and travel. I really hope to visit Macau once again. You're only young once, and you should explore while you can. Results are coming out tomorrow and if I pass, I will have graduated. The greatest gift I can have now is this chance by Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Nuffnang Malaysia to visit the beautiful city of Macau once again!

Tonight I shall sleep with a hopeful heart, praying for good results and dreaming of this trip to Macau :)

Saturday, 22 November 2014

Have you ever wondered why we have stacks of clothes, shoes and accessories, but most of the time, only one pair of glasses? In case you didn't know, I've been wearing glasses for 11 years now and this current pair has lasted me for about 4 years. It's time for a change! I see so many fashionistas rocking glasses. Some of them don't even put the lenses in. So I came up with the conclusion that, glasses are no longer a necessity but a FASHION STATEMENT instead. I've always wanted to rock that nerdy-yet-cute glasses look too but my old pair of glasses are just too old-fashioned, which is why you hardly see me in them. But.. where to find that perfect pair of glasses?

Today marks the exact one week since the opening of O.W.L Eyewear Concept Store in Sunway Pyramid and I was fortunate enough to be invited for the opening. Since Sunway Pyramid is basically my second home, I always pass by this shop while it was still under renovation and I thought, "hmm, just another optical shop". How wrong was I! I was surprised to see that this optometry shop is nothing like the ones we usually frequent and is totally unconventional!

It started with a simple idea, and O.W.L has now made into a reality!

From the FB page:

O.W.L is a Korean-inspired eyewear brand founded in 2014 to provide prescription glasses, sunglasses and non-prescription polarized sunglasses at an all-in-one price to te style savvy. This brand may be new but it appeals to young adults and fashionistas who demand comfort, protection and optimum vision. OWL Glasses are not only a fashion statement but a symbol of authenticity and each individual OWL frame is more than just glasses, but a work of art.

Since the beginning, OWL has been synonymous with artistic expression as a reqult of a special production process that is made entirely in Italy and uses only the best craftsmanship, culture, passion and dedication. OWL deals directly with their source of raw materials and manufacturers to produce high quality acetate, metal, titanium and TR90 from Korea.

OWL is a brand that marries excellence and attention-to-details to create the perfect alchemy between aesthetics and technology. The whole OWL Concept collection is inspired by fashion with a vintage look and feel, with a modern twist. It is the perfect embodiment of up-to-date and contemporary style which is daring and unexpected at the same time. One look, and you can tell that it is unmistakably OWL. For people who love photography, this is the brand for you!

The most unique part about the store is that you are not restricted by glass casings. Instead, the racks are totally open and you have the freedom to walk around and try on the glasses as you wish until you find the perfect pair. There are over 2000 pairs to choose from, so take your time! You're bound to find something perfect for you. No sales assistant will follow you around too unless you request for them. I don't know about you, but I like the feeling of being able to explore freely and not be pressured or disturbed by others while I'm shopping.

Currently, there are only glasses in the shop but they will soon be bringing in a brand new sunglasses range too!

Another thing I like about O.W.L Eyewear is the reasonable price-point. The prices range from RM169 to RM269 only! For RM169, which is the majority of the pricing there, you'll get all-in-one prices for your glasses frame AND lens too! The lenses used are High Index Aspheric Lens (1.61). You can also opt to top up another RM99 or RM199 to upgrade to ultra thin lenses, transition lenses (the kind that changes according to sunlight) or freeform back surface progressive lenses.

O.W.L also stands for Original We Love.

Another unique thing about O.W.L is that their glasses are designed and categorised based on different characteristics to suit various lifestyles. There is Executive for the working class, Weekender for chilling at home during the weekends, Fashionista for the ones who are into the latest trends and Rebel for the ones who like to make a statement.

Under each category, there are subcategories too. I spotted 6 - Smart, Hybrid, Zest, Sports, Mini and Premium. Each represents a different style of glasses too. From what I observed, Smart and Hybrid are for more formal wear while Mini is more suited for kids. The Premium range consists of one-of-a-kind designs which you will not find anywhere else, hence the higher price.

These are some of the best sellers from O.W.L from the Rebel Zest range! The glasses are totally trendy with their wooden frames and it just really exudes a modern youth and style.

These are from the Sports range. The glasses are more bent and curved to give athletes a better grip while doing their activities. How convenient and flexible!

As I walked around taking photos, of course I had to try on the glasses and take a few selfies too. These are from the different ranges which caught my eye. All the glasses are inspired by the latest Korean fashion and the materials are all imported from Korea. But I'm not brave enough to wear some of these out. I'm on the hunt for something more conventional yet stylish.

Another thing to love about O.W.L is the friendly and informative staff! They are always ready to help and patient too to answer my millions of questions.

Customers can get their glasses in under an hour on the same day too! Talk about efficient service. However, if there are a lot of orders, you may need to wait a longer time. To solve this, they have these order plates for customers which will beep when their glasses are done. I thought these were only used at dessert shops, now an optical store is using this method too to avoid long waiting lines. So interesting!

Selfie with my teman of the day, Eunice! We're both wearing glasses suited for our faces, in the same maroon colour. There were so many designs to choose from that I really didn't know where to begin! Luckily, our SA, Kenji, is really kind and really knows what a customer wants. He suggested that I choose a rounder frame that is not too big for my face while Eunice should take a squarer frame to suit her face. It's Eunice's first time getting glasses, see how excited she was!

This is the first time I felt like a kid in a candy store, except I'm in an optical shop. I was naturally drawn to the Rebel and Fashionista range because they are more suited for fashion-conscious people like me. After much discussion, these were the top few that I picked in the end.

Concentrating very hard to decide which glasses do I like best....

Which do you think looks best on me? I never thought I'd look good in round glasses but these are actually not bad!

Kenji also suggested that I try these squarish glasses too. They look plain from the front but the sides are gold and silver, which is quite interesting. I love them!

After deciding on my glasses after about an hour (I'm indecisive like that), it's time to do an eye-test.

For those of you who are curious how your eyeball looks like when it's being checked haha.

After the preliminary scan, we proceeded to the back room for a more comprehensive eye test. The optometrist is also very patient and asked lots of questions to make sure you get the right power for your eyes.

Lenses used for the eye-test.

After the eye-test, just fill in a form with your details and it's time to wait for the glasses to be done!

Once the glasses are done and you're ready to collect it, you get to choose a casing for it. Most shops only offer the hard casing but O.W.L has not one, not two but THREE kinds for you to choose from. They come in a variety of colours too! The soft casings come with the cloth to wipe your glasses too. I chose the teal-coloured soft pouch cos I think it's smaller and will fit nicely in my bag.

If you're wondering, I finally settled on this lovely pair of tortoise-shell round frame glasses from the Premium range, worth RM269 and these were the last pair in stores! It truly fits my requirement of being eye-catching yet not too over-the-top to the extent that I'll get weird stares from people on the street. My favourite part is the engraving at the sides which makes the glasses stand out even more!

How do I look? Hehe. Love my new glasses!

Thank you O.W.L, for a truly interesting shopping experience at your store. No more peering through glass tables and feeling bad when requesting sales assistants to get the glasses out for you to try. Besides being affordable, the glasses are also of comparable quality to the branded ones out there and not to mention, trendy too! I am very satisfied with the customer service. I recommend looking for Kenji if you're looking for glasses there because he really knows what the customer wants and will try to accomodate to their needs. Thanks for being patient while waiting for fickle-minded me to choose my glasses! :p All the staffs are so nice too that I think I'll get my future glasses from them from now on. My glasses were too loose and I went back twice to have it readjusted which they happily did it for me. Highly recommend O.W.L Eyewear to all my friends and family!

O.W.L Eyewear has other branches too besides this flagship store at Sunway Pyramid. You can find them at Penang at Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall. They are also located at IOI Mall, Bandar Puchong Jaya and soon to be opened at KL Festival City Mall, so watch out for that! It seems like OWL is preparing to take Malaysia by storm! Find more OWL locations and address HERE.

For more information, find them on Facebook and don't forget to drop by their store at Sunway Pyramid if you have any enquiries.

About Me

Just a place to share and write about things I've experienced, learnt and loved. Currently based down south in JB. For sponsorship or collaborations, reviews, advertorials or event invites, please email me at carinn.tan93@gmail.com :)